How Important Is My Child’s Record When Facing New Charges?

If your child has been arrested for a second, third, or other repeat offense, he/she could be facing stiff penalties. Although the justice systems sees, and treats juvenile and adult offendersfundamentally different from each other, repeat juvenileoffenders, and violent juvenileoffenders can end up being charged as adults.

The prosecution takes a wide a variety of factors into consideration when decided what offenses to charge, or, even if a juvenile should be tried as an adult.

According to the Attorney General, in a memorandum outlining juvenile waiver guidelines (the procedure used in charging a juvenile as an adult), the prosecutor shall consider the juvenile’s priorrecordincluding:

The seriousness of any acts for which the juvenile has been adjudicated delinquent

Any offenses for which the juvenile has been waived and convicted as an adult

Any involvement of the juvenile with a gang

The history of the use of physical violence towards others and the extend to which the juvenile may present a substantial danger to others

At Clark, Clark & Noonan, LLC. LLC, we offer strategic counseling and aggressive advocacy to New Jersey minors facing criminal charges across a wide service area including Freehold, Toms River, New Brunswick , Somerset County NJ and Union County NJ. Our law firm is committed to aggressively defending the immediate and future interests of minors and their family members to prevent the establishment of a criminal record, penalties, and the lasting consequences of a juvenileoffense. For a free consultation please call us at 732-303-7857.

Penalties and Consequences of a Juvenile Conviction

A juvenile conviction could affect the minor’s ability to attend college, get a job, or even remain in high school. We will take the time to collect and preserve all necessary evidence, consulting with witnesses and experts where necessary.

We will review police documentation and challenge any evidence illegally seized. In every case, our attorneys are looking for the best possible result: a NOT guilty verdict or a deferred disposition that ultimately results in a dismissal. We don’t plea bargain or negotiate any deals without the full support of our client and his or her family.

Free Consultation With Experienced Juvenile Defense Attorney

Children in juvenile court matters have many of the same rights as adults, including the right to remain silent, the right to cross-examine witnesses, and the right to an attorney. It is important to understand the full extent of your rights while under investigation and before entering court. Our attorneys will take the time to review your rights and options and aggressively assert your rights at every stage in the juvenilecriminal process. Where available or when necessary, we will seek rehabilitation over incarceration for any minor.